JERUSALEM, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Israel has completed a two-day, wide-ranging national exercise to practice treating sea pollution from oil in the southern Gulf of Eilat, in the Red Sea, the state's Ministry of Environmental Protection (MoEP) reported on Tuesday.
The drill, conducted by the MoEP, simulated a collision between a ship and an oil tanker in the Red Sea, which caused 150 tons of light crude oil to flow towards the northern coast of Eilat city.
After the drill participants were informed about the scenario, they deployed blocking and pumping equipment to clean up fuel stains, pumping some 60 tons of oil from the sea.
Later, the fuel stain was reported headed to three main areas, and as a result, one of Eilat's beaches was evacuated, more barriers were deployed, and notices went out to relevant international bodies and the public.
Next, the oil stains were pumped, and preparations were made for beach cleanup operations at points where oil reached the shore.
In addition, drones were sent up to get an aerial view of the scene, which was broadcast to a situation room.
The ministry said "marine accidents involving oil tankers are among the major causes of severe oil pollution in the sea. The ministry and other participating bodies will examine the lessons learned, so that they can be applied in real time."
